Observation of the regional suess effect at Kyungbokkung by using accelerator mass spectrometry

Abstract

We obtained Delta(14)C data, from red pines at Kyungbokkung in the bomb peak period by using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). With the cross-dated tree-ring samples taken from the east palace at Kyungbokkung in May 2001, we investigated the Suess effect, which reflects carbon contamination due to the combustion of fossil fuels. Twelve tree-ring samples, ranging from 1955 to 2000 AD, were pretreated to obtain holo-cellulose and were then combusted to CO2 by using an element analyzer. Further conversion to graphite was done for the Delta(14)C measurement at the AMS facility of Seoul National University. The observed Suess effect allowed us to calculate the S values, i.e., the magnitude of the regional Suess effect at Kyungbokkung. Using the S values, we also calculated the concentration of CO2 emanating from the combustion of fossil fuels around Kyungbokkung.